A senior executive at the largest employer in Berkshire County says Berkshire Health Systems opposes a Massachusetts ballot question that would impose staffing minimums on hospitals.
Darlene Rodowicz is the Chief Financial Officer for the largest health care provider in Berkshire County. She says Berkshire Health Systems is “very concerned” about Question 1, which, if passed, would enforce a specific patient to nurse ratio for hospitals.
“These mandated patient limits could cause delays to care," Rodowicz told WAMC, "or we might be required to refer patients somewhere else, maybe even out of state.”
She added the hospital fears a possible impact on the level of care BHS could provide patients. Speaking with WAMC in August, Massachusetts Nursing Association union member Donna Stern said a yes vote would reduce patient deaths, medication errors, hospital based infections, and readmissions.
